Canon EOS 7D Review

Displays

Record review & play displays

By default the EOS 7D provides a two second review display immediately after the shot is taken, this can be disabled or extended to 4 or 8 seconds or as long as you hold the shutter release button. During record review you can press the erase button to cancel / erase the current image. Record review and play share the same display modes, just press the INFO button to select between the four available modes (see below).

Display modes

There are four display modes available in record review / play, you can also optionally enable 'Highlight alert' (blinking highlights) and / or 'AF point display'.

Play magnification

The EOS 7D uses the two shoulder buttons to zoom in and out. There are 15 steps of magnification. Rolling the click wheel jumps to one of the neighboring images, retaining magnification and position, to allow images to be compared and focus confirmed.

Play thumbnail index

The 7D provides two levels of thumbnail index, the initial view being a four image 2x2 index, press the thumbnail button once more to switch to a nine image 3x3 index. You can use the multi-controller or quick command dial to move around images or the main dial to jump images (ideal if you have the 'screen' jump mode selected).

I use a 7D as my main camera. I would consider myself to be an advanced learner and I've found this to be an easy camera to use. Study the handbook then go and play with the camera until you are well versed in the use of the control's. All you will be doing is gaining valuable experience. Get one, use it and enjoy it.

I have been looking to purchase this camera for some time now and have just read your review. In the pros and cons you state that it's no good for the beginner. What reasons is it not good ? I was combining an entry level spec to amature pro as my budget is limited and won't be able to get anything later.

I am looking at a gently used 7D now since my older 30D doesn't do well with any ISO over 400. The comments about being not sogood for beginners are a bit silly, I think. Get it if you can and go for it! That's what I am going to do.Cheers, Joel

Joel, I have a 30D, 40D and 7D. Reviewing some pictures I took a few years ago when I lived in the States ( Boston ), what struck me about a bunch of pics that I took with my trusty 30D at the Zoo there, was just how smooth and natural looking my pics looked taken at ISO 800, and even the ISO 1600 shots looked very decent indeed. Ideally I found that ISO 1250 or below gave me the best results, but 1600 on the 30D was very close to my 7D can output. Probably due to the far less crowded sensor. I think the colours on the 30D are my favourite of all my Canons. I also prefer the metering on the older Canons to the 7D`s fancy new system that tied in the metering to the focusing area and often ends up with eithir too dark, or too bright exposures, though I have learnt how to work around this. I did a test a while back and put my Canon 70-300 MM L lens on the 30D and the resolution and sharpness was amazing for an 8 MP camera.

I think what the reviewer meant that it is quite a complicated camera to learn fully, but of course you can pace yourself with this, and just learn as you go. There are so many options available on this camera, it takes a long time to fully learn them and get the best out of the camera. I would highly recommend the camera and it will last you a lifetime. To get the best out of it, try and get some really good lenses over time, as these you can keep forever. The premium L lenses are worth every penny, and if you ever trade up to a Full frame, you can bring the lenses along, so they are truly a lifetime investment. My best ever purchase was a second hand Canon 70-300 L 4- 5.6 lens. This is incredibly sharp with fantastic colour and contrast, as well as amazing focus abilities and tank like build quality.

Beginners stay as beginners during the few month, and whats after? They must change the equipment? Of course, not. Then if someone will buy Canon 7D, he will use it all period - from beginning to professional use...

Every years manufacturers creating new and new cameras, better and better cameras, but I think many old cameras will be more then enough for most photographers, especially if we talk about such truly professional camera as Canon 7D. Don't push ISO upper then 800 and stay happy. Fast, full magnesium, well made, enough MP, great VF, absolutely great colors, very large amount of optics from any manufacturer, even great cheapest optics and... today in China, for example, you can buy it for 450 USD in 97 (!!!) condition with less then 5000 shutter actuation. I am not big fun of Canon cameras, but 7D is really great camera!

"Don't push ISO upper then 800 and stay happy. " - kobakokhIf Apsofable is a beginner, then maybe Apsofable shouldn't be messing with the ISO in the first place. Just set AUTO-ISO and leave it there until you are no longer a beginner. I assume you can figure out how to update the BIOS. If not, then the DP forums will still be here.

yes of course. I specially used it last few days, took from my chinese friend, and its great, really. I have Nikon D700, its a better because of FF, but color is better from 7D, for example, and 7D is faster and more comfort for use, and has absolutely great AF system, made like tank, also its easy to use old different lenses with Canon then with Nikon, this is also some good side for many people. I always like top or near top cameras from any manufacturers. Ooh, i also compare image quality from 7d and newer 70D. from old 7D image quality is better! In 7D price on used market you can buy some new P&S camera, why? for what? with 7D every phtographger can work as true professional and develop[ own way fast and interesting. Also there is one great lens for APS-C system - Sigma 17-50/50 OS! With it 7D will be great choice for anyone. With OS there will be no need to push ISO more then 800 in most situations. And both of them possible to buy for 700 USD! Great choice for anyone, i think!

I was busy shooting today, battery full, CF card in the camera and everything went black? It will not switch on at all?Have checked the battery - put my spare in, also fully charged but still no luck?I was using studio lights - so does that effect the camera?

If you were using the PC Sync or hotshot to sync the flashes, they may have a trigger voltage beyond what the camera can handle. If that was the case they may have smoked your camera. There are companies that make trigger isolation units to protect the new modern cameras from the older strobes that use high voltage sync. Have your camera looked at by a repair shop or canon to determine if it is worth repairing.

I've been struggling to find the replacement for my 5 year old Canon 40D. The images from the 40D are excellent, but it is technically behind times.

When the 7D was first released, I bought one, but returned it because of what I perceived as sensor noise. Bad decision on my part! The camera was technically all my 40D is not. So, now that there are scant few left as the shelves clear for the 7D Mk II, I just ordered a brand new 7D (not Mk II) at a bargain basement price. I can't wait to revisit this incredible camera once again.

now, in June 2017 Canon 7D in mint condition with less then 2000 shutter evaluation cost 440 USD in China. Nikon D7100 is same condition cost about 485 USD. Both of them are grest cameras, I think. Nicon or CAnon users have here very good options for used cameras.

I bought this camera (body only) about 4 years ago with a 24-105mm f4 L IS USM lens. After using it for about 8 months, I compared it side by side with a co-worker's T2i (with various lens). In each case I noticed that the T2i had a sharper (cleaner) image. I was very disappointed. Tried the in-menu focus compensation... didn't work. Finally sent it back to Canon. They fixed it under warranty. It has been good ever since. I shoot mostly my kids at their sporting events... track n field, cross country and tennis. All outdoor sports, so about 2 years ago, I purchased the 70-300mm f4-5.6 L IS USM lens. Both lens work really well with the camera... very sharp results. I would say about 90 ~ 95% of the shots are keepers.

I think there was a lot of cutting and pasting in the review. They referred to the 15mp image files and the 18-55 kit lens when they meant the 18-135 kit lens as shown in the product photos and referred to in the intro.

I think that initially looking at the Canon 7D MK II’s specifications they might seem conservative, but as with the EOS 5D Mark III and the 1D X updates to these models were refined, with well measured features that met the needs of photographer in quality and reliability, rather than boasting headline hitting new technological advancements.

I love this camera/disappointed in Canon/customer support/service. The 1st 7d I purchased had a pixel issue. Seems to be notorious in Canon lenses. My 1st PowerShot S2 IS had a pixel issue. I didn't realize was present until camera was out of warranty-had to fight like a dog to get them to replace it. My 7d SAME issue, issue found after first test shots I took in the store downloaded! Didn't want the store to send it back only to send a "fixed lens" I returned it, bought anothernew 7d, but still a problem. Once again found a mo after warranty when a little bracket inside the lens was detached from inside, only 1 screw was holding it in place, there was supposed to be 2 this bracket keeps the extension within the lens. A quality control issue that went unnoticed during manufacturing according to the camera guy that had to fix it but it didn't matter the damage to the focus computer chip inside had already been damaged & Canon refuses to do a thing about it par for the course.

I've just switched from Nikon to Canon and am completely lost, I shoot birds in flight a lot and cannot get my head around how to engage burst on the 7D, can't get built in flash to "raise it's ugly head" also how to change menu settings. Wish Canon had stuck to more universal icons and menu.Despite all that was very impressed with fast focus on few single shots that I tookCould any one please help?

If you have a filter fitted to protect the lens try shooting without. After buying my 100-400 lens I returned to the shop after finding my images soft using a 7D. They tested my lens with a second one they had in the shop and agreed the first lens was faulty. When I got the second lens home I found it as poor as the first until I realized the second lens tested had not had a filter fitted when tested in the shop and I had transfered my filter to the second lens when I got home.Conclusion: I only use filters for effects and I have remove all my "protective filters" from my L lenses. Why spend hundreds of pounds on lenses just to add a piece of cheap glass on the front.

I am 7D user and have noticed that my images are considerably soft. I mostly use canon 100-400L lens. Initially I thought that its problem with the way I use camera. I tried all possible things. Searched lot and found many discussion about AF problem with 7D. Can someone share their experience?It seems 7D AF is not consistent although manual focus gives considerably crisp and sharp image.

I'm a wheelchair user and have gone for the 7D because of the increase in range when using a shorter lens over full frame which means though I often cannot get close I often achieve a useable image.

Live on the coast so to avoid problems re dust on the sensor from the beach I purchased a second one a few months back which says, I think, just how pleased I am with the product. Re low iso and noise, possibly because of high light levels from sea reflection and living in a flat open area I personally find no problems but using 2.8 lenses helps. Not professional but have had people use my stuff on their websites - so for my needs the 7D works well - Oh, and if like me you have poor dexterity you'll find the raised buttons really helpful even when wearing gloves.

My Review of the Canon 7d as the owner of one for 1yr is this.I shoot Professionally and have used the 7d for just about 1yr.It is a bit bigger,heavier than my other EOS Canon's.Picture quality is top of the line.Video quality is top of the line.The Grain Factor when using the ISO at a higher number is compensated by a setting in the Menu so no problem.At 8fps continuous it stands above the others.Weather proof as well (Body only).Recently my Canon 7d was knocked over while mounted atop a 6ft tripod landing on solid asphalt.A little scratch on the body was all the damage it received.Though bigger and heavier the construction,function,image quality of this Camera is incredible.I shoot Landscape,Portrait,sports(MMA Fights) and everything in between.Canon went above and beyond with this model.A+ is the grade I give for this one.

Which one is a better model 70d or 7d , I have read numerous reviews and seen plenty of videos, even though 70d is a much newer version I would like to know from some one who has used them side by side.

I think both are great, depends on your needs, the 7D is like a tank, the build quality is incredible, its AF is phenomenal (a cut above the 70D in terms of customization options), the 70D has slight advantage 2/3 of a stop at higher iso's, has wifi and touchscreen, the 7D has bigger and better OVF, and the 70D have awesome video capabilities. I played with both and went for the 7D (easy choice), the 70D felt like a toy and I didnt like the plasticky feel (compared to the 7D). Bit both are great, you'll enjoy either depending on your needs.

It depends on what you want to do. I use it up to ISO 6400 for street photography, and it's noisy but it adds to the mood of any photo I'd take at such a sensitivity. (Generally, silouettes at night, low key portraits...)For a more general use, I'd say ISO 1600 with a good exposure is useable.

Checked your photos at photobycarlos.com. Really it was awesome :) Finally I decided to go for 7D after saw your website. Tnx !!!please suggest me some good lenses which are more better for portrait & landscape shooting

More about gear in this article

Taking pictures of wildlife in the jungle isn't easy, which is why a lot of photographers set up 'trap' cameras. But every now and then, you end up attracting the wrong species altogether – and the results can be unpleasant. See video

DPR reader Philip Ewing found he had little time outside of long hours at the office to spend on photography, so he turned his commute into a time to exercise some creativity. Each day he brings his camera along with him on Washington D.C.'s Metrorail system, where he photographs the Brutalist-style architecture, morning rushes and evening light of the Metro subway. Read more

'Whales made me do it' isn't exactly what we expected to hear when we asked DPR reader Raymond Pang how he got started in photography. Then again, he's not really your typical photographer. When he couldn't find an app to help him plan out shoots in advance, he learned iOS app development and created one. Take a look at some of his images and read more in our Q&A. See gallery

The Slow Mo Guys do just what their name implies - record slow motion videos. In a new episode they use a Phantom Flex to capture the Canon 7D's mirror box and shutter mechanism being triggered at a variety of shutter speeds. The results are pretty darn cool. See video

Canon has updated its Digital Photo Professional 4 (DPP) software to version 4.1.50. The update brings support for a couple of new lenses and several camera models, improvements to multiple functions, and compatibility with 64-bit native environments, among other things. The newest version, says Canon, incorporates feedback from both APS-C and older full-frame owners eager for 'the very latest Raw workflow solution'. Read more

Latest in-depth reviews

The Fujifilm X-H1 is a top-of-the-range 24MP mirrorless camera with in-body stabilization and the company's most advanced array of video capabilities. We've tested the X-T2's big brother extensively to see how it performs.

Panasonic's Lumix DC-GX9 is a rangefinder-style mirrorless camera that offers quite a few upgrades over its predecessor, with a lower price tag to boot. We've spent the weekend with the GX9 and have plenty of thoughts to share, along with an initial set of sample photos.

Panasonic's new premium compact boasts a 24-360mm equiv. F3.3-6.4 zoom lens, making it the longest reaching 1"-type pocket camera on the market. We spent a little time with it; read our first impressions.

Latest buying guides

Quick. Unpredictable. Unwilling to sit still. Kids really are the ultimate test for a camera's autofocus system. We've compiled a short list of what we think are the best options for parents trying to keep up with young kids, and narrowed it down to one best all-rounder.

Landscape photography isn't as simple as just showing up in front of a beautiful view and taking a couple of pictures. Landscape shooters have a unique set of needs and requirements for their gear, and we've selected some of our favorites in this buying guide.

If you're a serious enthusiast or working pro, the very best digital cameras on the market will cost you at least $2000. That's a lot of money, but generally speaking these cameras offer the highest resolution, the best build quality and the most advanced video specs out there, as well as fast burst rates and top-notch autofocus.

Are you a speed freak? Hungry to photograph anything that goes zoom? Or perhaps you just want to get Sports Illustrated level shots of your child's soccer game. Keep reading to find out which cameras we think are best for sports and action shooting.

At this year's CP+ show in Yokohama, we sat down with senior executives from several major manufacturers, including Canon. Topics of conversation included Canon's ambitions for high-end mirrorless cameras, and the importance of responding to the demands of the smartphone generation.

We were recently able to follow local frame builder Max Kullaway as he created one of his AirLandSea bikes. Here are our picks of the photos we got, as the project progressed from bare tubes all the way to rideable bicycle.

On paper, the Sony a7 III is a tempting option for photographers who've been considering a switch to full-frame mirrorless. But how does its image quality stack up? We compare it to the Mark II and a few of its other peers.

Google Lens uses artificial intelligence and 'computer vision' to identify and provide information about businesses, landmarks and other objects using your phone's camera. And now it's available for iPhone users, too.

In the job posting, the Times' describes this role as "one of the most important and high-profile jobs in visual journalism." If you're looking for a high profile job in photojournalism, you could do a lot worse than being Photo Director at The Gray Lady.

According to a recent report out of South Korea, Samsung is increasing production of its ISOCELL image sensors in a bid towards market leadership for image sensors. To reach this goal, Samsung will have to dethrone current market leader Sony... no small task.

In this video, large format photographer Ben Horne shows off the incredible resolving power of 8x10 slide film by pixel peeping a massive 709.6-megapixel drum scan of one of his landscape shots. And you thought 100MP medium format was big...

Photographer Wendy Teal tells the heart-breaking story of a wedding she shot at a hospital on just 24-hours notice. The mother of the bride had been given one week to live, and Wendy responded to the couple's desperate social media plea for someone to capture their special day.

Syrp has announced the Magic Carpet Pro: a slider that offers filmmakers an 'infinitely extendable' range thanks to built-in track levers that let you connect lengths of track without the use of tools.

At CP+ we sat down with executives from several major manufacturers. Among them was Kenji Tanaka, of Sony, who talked to us about the a7 III as well as its plans to attract more pro shooters – without ignoring APS-C and entry-level customers.

How do you shoot macro photography on an 18x24cm large format wet plate camera? You 'connect' two large format cameras together! That's how wet plate photographer Markus Hofstaetter did it, and you can read about the whole process in this article.

The Fujifilm X-H1 is a top-of-the-range 24MP mirrorless camera with in-body stabilization and the company's most advanced array of video capabilities. We've tested the X-T2's big brother extensively to see how it performs.

Motorsports photojournalist Jamey Price recently flew to Canada with Lamborghini for the car company's Winter Accademia 2018, where clients get to drive the latest Lamborghini supercars on snow and ice. Yes... it is exactly as awesome as it sounds.

For the Pixel 2 smartphone's Motion Photos feature, Google built on its existing Motion Stills technology by adding advanced stabilization that combines software and hardware capabilities to optimize trimming and stabilization.

"After his camera was stolen from his room in the orphanage, he switched to an iPhone for his photography, reasoning that the image quality of a big, heavy camera was less important than the freedom of a cell phone. 'Quality? Screw it, I’d sketch things with a pencil if I could draw,' he wrote in a blog post."

Chinese manufacturer Vivo has announced some AI-powered Super HDR tech to compete with Google's HDR+ system. Both systems combine multiple images to create a final shot with more dynamic range and less noise, but Super HDR claims to do so more intelligently.

The 'semantic image segmentation model' categorizes every pixel in an image and assigns it a label, such as “road”, “sky”, “person” or “dog.” And now, Google has released its latest version as open source, making it available to any developers whose apps could benefit from the tech.

Fuji's latest firmware update for the GFX 50S adds two new features: a focus stacking mode, and a 35mm format mode that takes 30.5MP photos using the center portion of the camera's medium format sensor.

The crash has raised serious questions about 'startling safety gaps' in the doors-off photo tour industry. After a brief safety video, passengers are strapped in with heavy-duty harnesses and given only a knife to cut themselves loose in case of emergency.

For the first time in five years, Adobe is raising the price of some Creative Cloud subscription packages. The good news for photographers: The $10/month CC Photography plan that includes Photoshop CC, Lightroom CC, and Lightroom Classic CC will stay the same.